[KMC Riders] Thomas De Gendt wins queen stage at Lorraine (2.1)
Updated : 2011-05-24

Belgium of Vacansoleil-DCM is also the new race leader.

Stage 3 of the Circuit de Lorraine started with Romain Feillu in the yellow jersey, 206k later his teammate De Gendt took over the "maillot jaune". Earlier it was De Gendt who in the streets of Saint Dié-des-Vosges passed the finish first after a sprint with a front group of 3.

The 24-year old won in the mountain jersey: "On the last climb I set the pace for Marcato but when two riders attacked I followed to secure the mountain points. At the top the two kept going and after the descent we had over 20 seconds. At that moment I decided to ride along because the one who would win the stage would take the jersey. After an altitude training camp of two weeks I didn't expect this."

What De Gendt does expect is to be able to defend the jersey with courage: "If you look at how many of our guys are still in front in the final the conclusion of us having a strong team is into place. Sunday will be difficult but I won't drop easy."

Besides De Gendt his team mate Poels also entered the stage, Poels won the price for most combative. The Circuit de Lorraine ends on Sunday.